by Chris Mills
“That’s it. The Morose Center.”
“For the council?”
“For them, senators, and where the galaxy meets.”
The taxi kept its distance above the massive complex. From this angle, the roofs all looked partially domelike. Each section curved slightly. Five buildings made up the place, four outwards and connected into the inner massive one. Lots of brick went into the design of the closest. The taxi dropped finally and followed a waiting cruiser.
It only grew the closer they got. How could someone work in a place like this? The building had many closed hangers. A lone unit of hundreds was open with a dark blue field. The cruiser pressed through. Stephen let out a breath. The taxi emerged inside a large hanger. Five armed officers waited with a man in a light blue suit, holding a tablet.
“Senator Gehris?” Herald questioned.
The driver came around and opened the door. His hand extended for Kim. Her outfit consisted of long black pants. They had odd, teal stitching that ran down the sides. Herald claimed it looked professional. Her white top had two slits near her shoulders. The teal coat was slim and was secured by two buttons. She had put on some makeup and her hair was up in a ponytail. She could easily pass as one of the businesswomen on TV if she wore glasses.
“Thank you,” Kim said, as her feet came to the ground. Stephen stepped out last. The man in the blue suit smiled. Each officer wore the same matching black armored uniforms and held rifles at their waste. One stepped beside the man and whispered. A nod came.
“Welcome,” the man said.
“Senator Gehris?” Herald questioned. “I never thought you’d meet us here.”
“I am one of the councilman’s advisors. He asked for me to take you to his office.”
Senator Gehris was around Herald’s age and short. Stephen may be a head taller than him. Gehris’s hair no longer fought the greying. It had taken all but the top of his head, which had started to bald. He shook each of their hands with a friendly smile, while keeping his tablet under his arm. He waved suddenly. The taxi pierced through the field. With that, doors of the hanger started to close.
“We will go through security,” Senator Gehris said. “These fine officers will take us.” A Salzmenian started the march. Their rifles came to their side and seemed to float on their own. “How has your morning been?”
“Good,” Herald said. “How has yours been?”
“It’s been pleasant. I had been traveling recently, and it is great to be home.”
“Did you move to the planet?” Herald asked.
“I’ve lived here for a while, Herald. It has been some time since we last spoke.”
“You weren’t campaigning then.”
Senator Gehris laughed. “Oh,” he said. “I miss my old desk. It had been kind of you to donate to my campaign. I’m pleased with the progress humanity has made in the empire.”
“Do you want to be a councilmember?” Andy spoke. Senator Gehris’s head snapped back. His laugh went short.
“No. It’s a very tiresome career. I prefer my current role. Councilman Wallace does a wonderful job. He’s the youngest human to take a seat on the council.”
“A good one,” their lead called back.
“Yes,” Herald agreed. “He’s only thirty-four.”
“That’s it?” Kim asked. “That’s young.” There were age limits for a president back in their time. “I didn’t really think he was that young.”
“He has good wisdom, yet,” Senator Gehris began, “he still needs help. It’s good to have him here. You will meet him soon.”
The hall they took turned, curved, and eventually came to a wider hallway with an arched ceiling. Several tiny tips protruded from it. One popped out slightly and retracted, giving Stephen a slight chill. The officers kept glancing back. Finally, they came to a set of double doors.
“Clear,” their leader called back. “Kind of you all to follow guidelines.”
The officers used two panels to open the door. A gust of cool air brushed over them, dancing lightly with Stephen’s hair. The true lobby was large with many couches and chairs to sit in. A large desk lay empty. The mass of space being used was hard to envision. Herald could, as he said he had been a guest of Senator Gehris before during a big meeting.
“I’ll take them from here,” Senator Gehris said. “They won’t get lost and I assure there will be no trouble.”
“Adequate,” their leader said. “Make haste.”
Senator Gehris bid their escort goodbye. “We better hurry,” he said. “The earlier the better. You’ll want more time with him before the others join.”
“Others?” Stephen asked.
“I’m not certain how many. There is an issue on hand. They keep things confidential.”
“Oh.”
The lobby led to another hall. This place felt like a maze getting into. A large opening brought them to a tramway in. A tram hovered above the track, waiting to go into a dimly lit tunnel that stretched far. Senator Gehris motioned them on. Stephen took a seat near the front and found Andy joining him. The tram jolted and sped off through the tunnel.
“This tram will be replaced in a year,” Senator Gehris said. “I don’t mind the ride.”
“It seems like they are always renovating,” Herald said.
“They must.”
The tram shook a few times as it came out of the tunnel. It sped to the end, stopping a little roughly. Stephen rocked back and rose. Senator Gehris waved for them to follow with a smile.
“This place is huge,” Andy said.
“Yes, it is,” Senator Gehris said. “Please stay close.”
The building changed greatly. The halls had stone and brick, real fixtures above for light, and decor that stuck out. Stephen felt like he was back in eighth grade visiting Washington DC. Senator Gehris brought them to a stop in an annex with a desk. Two officers sat behind it with mugs in hand.
“Wallace’s,” Senator Gehris said. One nodded. “Come closer, please.” A ring lit on the floor. It felt a little cramped. Stephen tried not to press against the others too much. The very ring rose up from the floor. The field moved quickly. Stephen held to his chest.
“Wow,” Andy said. “Cool.”
“Walking is a good way to keep fit here when you have time,” Senator Gehris said. “This is better for meetings.”
“Do they use this for the big ones?” Gabe said.
“No.”
“Good. Someone would hurl.”
“Hurl what?”
“Never mind.”
The ring turned a few times. Stephen didn’t jolt like he would on a rollercoaster. It soon vanished below their feet before double doors. Senator Gehris tapped his finger to the panel. “Here’s where I leave you,” he said. “I need to get ready for a meeting. The lift will take you to his office from here.”
“Thank you,” Herald said.
“Thank you,” Stephen said. He shook the senator’s hand with a smile. It had been an easier journey in then he thought. A slight chime came. A round lift welcomed them with a nice greeting. Senator Gehris vanished behind the doors with a final wave.
“He’s very nice,” Kim said.
“He is,” Herald said. “Too many politicians have filth behind their smiles.”
“That never will change,” Gabe said. “We always hated the people we put in office back home.”
“Not everyone,” Kim said.
“Just the president,” Gabe huffed. It seemed to be a case in a lot of places. You hate the people they run against and then end up criticizing the one you put in. Then you hate them more once they are out of office and blame them for anything you could. Gabe’s father never stopped complaining about things like that. He had funny names to call certain politicians.
The lift opened to a beautiful, young human woman with a lovely smile. “Welcome,” she said. “Please, follow me. Councilman Wallace has been expecting you.”
Stephen found a mix of races working for Councilman W
allace. A room had three people taking a break. “This thing is bugging the heck out of me,” Gabe said suddenly. He smacked the side of his ear. A clear piece rested snugly in the canal and wrapped around his ear. It appeared nearly invisible until eyes really kept to it.
“Tell me about it,” Kim said. She adjusted her piece once more.
“It’s the best I could do,” Herald said.
“We appreciate it,” Kim assured. “It’s new.”
“It’s temporary.”
The young assistant brought them to an open door at the end of the hall. A man sat at the desk, very much that of a picture shown before. Another stood behind him, tall, and of a race Stephen hadn’t seen much of. The Melistinian’s unique orange eyes came upon him. He had unreal red hair. Strands of silver had started to take it. A pair of elf ears extended out, pressing through. It was hard to break the stare for a few seconds.
“Jim,” the Melistinian said quickly.
“Oh, hello,” Councilman Wallace said. “Herald, you must introduce me.”
Councilman Wallace rose quickly. He wore a dark grey button up and a pair of slacks. His tie rested on a hanger with his coat by the door. His office gave a wonderful view of the area outside. For an office, its size could be used for a few. His desk sat on one end with plenty of space on the other. Paintings, bookcases of books and relics, and a vase gave the place a grand feel.
Councilman Jim Wallace wore a smile as he shook each of their hands getting their names. He really was in his thirties and showed little sign of advancing into the next phase in life. He was well built and kept his hair in place with what might be gel.
“It is good to meet you all,” Councilman Wallace said.
“Should I go, Jim?” the Melistinian questioned.
“If you wish. I would like you to come back before the meeting if you would.”
“It is an honor, Councilman Weslick,” Herald said. He shook the man’s hand like a child meeting his hero.
“Do please treat me like any other,” Councilman Weslick said. “Call me Willard. I’ll be back shortly. My daughter is here, and she is not in a good mood.”
Willard closed the door behind his colleague. “Now,” Councilman Wallace said. “We have about -” He eyed the old clock with hands. “Twenty-two minutes. I’d like to get right to it if we can. I tried to read all you sent me. It is a troublesome scenario.”
“I would say,” Gabe said. “Excuse me, sir. It has -”
“Please call me, Jim,” Councilman Wallace urged. “I know things have been tough. I hope I can help. Please, there’s plenty of seating for you all. Let’s talk.” It felt a little odd for a man like him to sit on his desk while they took to pulling chairs up. “Firstly, I am extremely saddened of the betrayal and the mess Darren caused. It may mean nothing, but I am looking further into his record.”
“I appreciate that,” Herald said. “If it were not for him, we’d have been here sooner.”
“That is true,” Jim said. “I have read over what you sent. Please, show me.” Andy, Kim, and Gabe eyed the ball Herald held, a little confused. “That’s it?”
“Yes. Ronald Wulf is brilliant.”
Stephen sighed. He finally took hold. The vibrant blue energy surged within, bringing forth gasps. The play-it-by-ear scenario didn’t go as well and brought more questions by his friends until Herald managed to remind the course this meeting had to take. He talked on about what updates he could and what Ron, Stephen, and he uncovered. The clock would not stop. Stephen tossed the ball into the air once more before Herald snatched it.
“I see we have a larger issue to deal with,” Jim said.
“I am sorry that it came to this, Councilman Wallace,” Herald began.
“Herald, how many times will it take you till you call me Jim? You are not on trial, nor am I joined with my fellow councilmembers for a meeting.”
“I’m sorry, Jim.”
“That’s better,” Jim said. “I’m glad you have come forth and reported on what all Ronald has given you. It will help. I have a lot to think on and fast. We -” A long tone sounded. “Enter.” The door slid to a familiar councilman. Willard came to the side of the desk. “We were getting to our next course of action, Willard.”
Willard Weslick served as a voice of the council from what Stephen understood. This didn’t give him more power. He was the one who spoke during meetings and moved things along. From what Herald said, Willard may be the wisest of any of them.
“Kodon,” Willard spoke. “I have read some of the report. I agree that it is troublesome. It does sadden my heart to realize it has led to the deaths of many officers. Sadly, there is not much we can do to seek justice. You must understand, we are allied with the Talon Federation. There is great risk if we choose to act with nothing but our words.”
“Yes,” Jim agreed. “We must hold this discussion. I must inform you that Willard and I have taken the case of Kodon. The council agrees that we have the means to deal with it.”
“Okay,” Gabe said.
“As for your case, Kim, Gabe, and Andy, we are not in control of it. The council wishes to meet with you on this for action. The incidents that occurred has left this out of our own control.”
“Nor would it be allowed for you to make the judgement,” Willard reminded Jim.
“We will take you to meet them,” Jim said. “I ask that Herald and Stephen stay. We do not need to add to this.”
“I will stay too,” Andy said.
“Andy,” Gabe said. “You have sight. Use it back home.”
“I don’t think I can go home now. There’s a lot for me here.”
“But,”
“Gabe,” Kim said. “Think about it. It’s his decision. We both know sight would change things.” Gabe sighed. “Please, take us. What should we know?”
“Be strong,” Jim said. “State your case clear and answer directly. Are you ready?”
**
For a meeting, it didn’t seem right. The chamber was small, and the two councilmembers kept to the circular wall. Gabe kept glancing to the door. This room was too damn small for the rest of the council to join. It sounded like they were busy all the time. Kim nudged him slightly.
“Very soon,” Jim said. “I’m certain.”
Jim seemed like a nice guy, and someone Gabe may vote for. He didn’t speak to them as a citizen. Gabe felt like Jim could be his old English teacher who at times seemed to blend with them. Willard on the other hand, scared Gabe a little. His eyes were weird, and it felt like anytime he looked his way, Willard’s eyes met his.
The room darkened. Gabe looked back to only jump lightly at who stood in front him. Five others had joined them. One flickered for a bit. Finally, he stood with his arms crossed. Damn. Gabe straightened up the best he could and took easy breaths through his nose.
“Thank you for joining us,” Willard said. “I hope your days are well.”
Two cat people joined them, Kazmilins as Gabe had been told a few times, an overgrown lizard, a Telicion with very short white hair, and some weird blue alien who at times seemed to float. She wore a blue robe, which color was darker than her skin. She bowed lightly to the others. Her neck had gills on them that opened lightly.
“We have agreed on fifteen minutes,” the strange alien said. Nods came around.
“You have Herald Zumerkrin’s report on the encounter,” Jim said. “Much trouble has come since they came here. I feel it is fair that they be returned.”
“One broke many laws last night,” one of the Kazmilins said. “It resulted in the death of a man who should have been questioned.”
“Under circumstance,” the lizard spoke, “impossible.”
Nods came. “Let’s proceed to these two,” Willard said. “Time is precious. You have the reports. Shall we open to questions or shall we vote now?”
“Questions,” a few voiced. Nods came once more.
“You may wish to introduce yourself as you speak,” Willard suggested. “They are not
familiar with us.”
“Past dwellers,” the lizard said. “Pleasant and simple times.”
“We would like to return to that,” Gabe said. “We are to be married in a couple weeks.” They had already spent a week here and the excuses he thought to explain it all grew weaker. He’d have to resort to kidnapping at this rate.
“Married?” a female Kazmilin spoke. “What trying times.”
“Let’s keep focused,” Willard said.
The lizard cleared his throat. “I Councilman Vergis,” he said. “I wish to understand Zumerkrin’s action. Did he force Stephen Jones to enter our time?”
“Um,” Kim began. “He did not.”
“Why willing to go?”
“Stephen suffered a major accident that put him in a bad state. He has been through a lot in life. Learning what he did, I think drew him here.”
“Manipulation?”
“No,” Kim assured. Stephen wouldn’t give it up and here they all were. “Stephen chose this.” The lizard nodded and crossed his arms.
“I am Councilman Persis,” the Telicion said. His antenna bobbed lightly as he spoke. “Did you fight at any point with any officers of the empire or authoritative figures?”
“No,” Gabe said. He caught himself from the laugh. “Why?”
“It is important.”
“We’ve been more than cooperative and wanting to go back the moment the shuttle left.”
Persis nodded. “Do you understand what has happened when you came back?” he questioned. He quickly cleared his throat. “Let me change my words. Do you understand the effects that happened when Herald Zumerkrin returned with you?”
“The Explorer C?” Gabe questioned.
“I am speaking of the effects it had on our time,” Persis said. “Have you been informed?” Both Gabe and Kim shook their heads. “Herald Zumerkrin has gave us what he has noticed with discretion. I did not serve on this council.”
“If I am correct,” Kim spoke, “you did not know this, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Then what does it matter? Everything that everyone knows is what they know. Herald is the only one who can see the difference.”